Embassy News

President Christofias' televised address to the people - Thursday, July 14, 2011
2011-07-14 09:12:42

President Christofias made a televised address to the people today in which he announced the appointment on Monday, July 18, of a single-member inquiry committee to investigate the series of events which led to the deadly explosion at the naval base ``Evangelos Florakis.``

The Committee will be headed by lawyer Polis Polyviou and it will be charged with the task of investigating the causes of the incident, pointing to those who should be held accountable for the explosion.

After conveying his personal and the government`s condolences to family members and relatives of the twelve blast victims, President Christofias assured that those who are responsible will be held accountable, ``from the lowest to the highest level``, and called the public to remain ``calm and sober.``

The President noted that Mr. Polyviou's task will be to ``quickly and swiftly investigate every single aspect`` of the deadly blast, adding that the Police will be investigating potential criminal responsibilities, under the supervision of the Attorney General of the Republic.

The President was also critical of a small group of ``nationalists and ultra-rightists``, who, as he noted, undermined recent peaceful demonstrations held outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, by trying to ``take advantage of human suffering`` and ``venturing to set the Presidential Palace aflame.``

President Christofias also revealed that the government has already sought the help of the European Union to address needs arising from the blast in the framework of member states` display of solidarity, while adding that government services are already working in order to repair damages.

The President concluded his address by stating that he understands people`s anger and grief and noted that people should try to remain calm and look ahead to the continuation of the Cyprus negotiations and the Presidency of the EU Council set to take place in the second half of 2012.